From the Wire … Cubs Re-Sign OF Ryan Sweeney to Two-Year Deal

According to multiple reports, the Cubs re-signed outfielder Ryan Sweeney on Tuesday to a two-year contract worth $3.5 million that includes a club option for 2016. Sweeney will make $1.5 million in 2014 and 2015. The third year is club option worth $2.5 million that includes a $500,000 buyout.

Ryan Sweeney hit .266/.324/.448 in 70 games for the Cubs in 2013. Sweeney hit 13 doubles, two triples, tied a career high in home runs with six and finished up with a .772 OPS. Sweeney missed more than two months due to a broken rib.

Sweeney told the Tribune that Theo Epstein approached him about getting a deal done quickly to stay with the Cubs. Sweeney indicated the deal took a couple of weeks to hammer out and he is glad he does not have to go through being a free agent this winter. Sweeney also confirmed the deal includes a club option for 2016.

Sweeney can play all three outfield positions and gives the Cubs flexibility as either a starter or a fourth outfielder. Plus he is a lefty that can hit southpaws (.313/.365/.458/.824).